You’ve poured your heart and soul into your weight loss journey, and you’ve finally hit your goal weight. Congratulations, losing weight is no easy task! It’s an intense journey that you should be absolutely proud of.
However, your fitness journey is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning. The next step is determining how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
While weight loss is something to be proud of, the unfortunate truth is that 65% of dieters return to their previous weight within a few years.
But there’s no reason to become another statistic. With the right plan, it’s possible to keep all of those excess pounds off.
Here are some tips help you learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle after weight loss.
How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Continue Exercising
It’s hard to lose weight without proper exercise, so it’s not surprising that you’ll need to keep up the hard work. Make sure that you exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week for around 30 minutes to an hour each session.
When most people hear the word ‘exercise’ they immediately tune out. But exercise doesn’t have to mean running 5 miles uphill. It can be something as simple as simply walking around the neighborhood.
In fact, depending on your age and weight, low impact exercise may be better for your bones and joints.
What matters is that you set a workout schedule for yourself and stick with it. You didn’t come this far without being diligent, so don’t stop now!
Don’t Fear The ‘S’ Word: Snacking
Believe it or not, snacking in and of itself is actually quite healthy.
Smaller meals are actually better for the body than two or three meals throughout the day. That is, of course, assuming you’re eating the right things.
It can be tempting to sneak into the cupboard and steal a bag of chips, but you’re just going to undo the rest of the day’s work. Instead, prepare some snacks in advance.
Ration out bags of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and store them in individual bags. It’s all of the convenience of a quick, to-go snack without any of the negatives like empty calories.
Know Your Temptations
Knowledge of your past habits is one of the best tools you have for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Think about what used to set you off and really tempt you before you lost the weight.
For some, it may be a sweet treat. For others, it could be a salty snack. Heck, it may not even be about the food itself.
Some people tend to be stress-eaters and binge when they’re worried about something.
The more aware you are of your own temptations, the easier it’ll be to turn them down when the going gets tough.
Keep Track Of Calories
There’s a good chance that you used a calorie tracking app to help you along your weight loss journey. And while it may be tempting to ditch the apps once you’ve achieved your goal, it’s in your best interest to keep them around.
Logging every detail of every meal may seem meticulous and unnecessary, but it can be helpful. Think of it as a modern-day food journal.
Traditionally, dietitians would suggest patients keep track of their meals and snacks throughout the day so they’d be more aware of their eating habits. Now all you need is a smartphone and a few minutes.
Check out LoseIt or My Fitness Pal if you’re looking for somewhere to start. Both are great, free downloadable options.
Switch Up Your Exercise Routine Regularly
Let’s face it, even those of us that actually enjoy working out find it boring at times. Next time you’re tired of your usual route, get inspired and switch things up.
It’s a good idea to change your routine every few weeks, or at the very most, every two or three months. Not only does this keep things fresh and exciting for you, but it’s actually great for your body.
Once our metabolisms get into a particular rhythm, they’re pretty much stuck there until our diet or exercise changes. Switching up exercise routines will kickstart your metabolism, as well as keep you engaged.
Everything In Moderation
When you were losing weight, you probably had to learn a hard lesson: moderation is everything.
Now we’re about to say something that just may blow your mind: it’s okay to eat pizza and cake.
Yes, you read that right and no, we aren’t kidding.
When it comes to how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, moderation is everything. It’s okay to eat junk food every now and again. Just make sure you’re not eating it too regularly and that it’s a small portion.
Visit Your Doctor
Don’t forget to check in with your physician or nutritionist to see how things are going. Losing weight can put a surprising amount of strain on our bodies, and a doctor can tell you what’s healthy and what’s too extreme.
After all, weight loss isn’t all about looking good. It’s about living your best, healthiest lifestyle and being happier.
Have A Support System To Keep You Accountable
There’s so much more to weight loss than just diet and exercise. A strong support system can keep you going when you don’t think you can do it any longer.
But make sure that you’ve still got that support system once you’ve lost weight. Keeping the weight off can be every bit as tough as losing the weight in the first place.
You’re going to need some great people to keep you in check and give you some words of encouragement.
A Healthy Lifestyle Is More Than Physical
Finally, make sure that you’re taking care of yourself mentally. The truth is, most people who lose weight don’t lose that mentality. They may still feel like that overweight, unhappy person.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s actually quite common.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to live with it. Take care of yourself mentally and the rest will follow. Take some time to journal or partake in a hobby. Spend time with family.
Stress is a huge contributor to obesity, so make sure to unwind.
Let Us Help You Learn How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Keeping the weight off is tough, but remember, you’re tougher!
We here at ChiroThin Weight Loss understand that fitness is just as unique as you are. We’ll work with you to create a fantastic plan that works for you and your needs.
Find a ChiroThin Weight Loss certified doctor near you and keep those pounds off! And don’t forget to register for a free ebook that can help you lose up to 35 pounds in just 42 days.